The story of Peter Rous and the goddess Meenakshi Amman,Madurai.
Peter Rous was the third District Collector of Madurai district who took over charge in 1812 He would remain the Collector till his death in 1828. Madurai had been taken over by the British East India Company in 1801.
The British, taking over the role of 'ruler, had their representative, the District
Collector, collect taxes as well as officiate as the administrative head of the temple.
That system still continues till this day in many districts where it is the Collector who offers first prayers on important occasions and oversees the administration of the temple.
Peter Rous was known to be respectful to the religious sentiments of the hindus and the temples. It is said he would start his day by doing a parikrama of the temple on horseback. Peter's service to the temple earned him the nickname of Peter Pandiyan among the local populace.
Pandyan, after the great Pandya kings of 1100 years ago who protected the temple and served the goddess with great diligence
The story goes that one night Peter was woken up from his sleep by the sounds of anklet bells and a young girl speaking out m his name. As he got up to reach out to her she moved further back Thus Peter Rous came out of the bungalow and began following her. Soon after that a crash of lightening brought his bungalow down Peter Rous followed the young girl right into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple where she vanished.
Peter Rous was convinced that he had had the darshan of the goddess Meenakshi Amman. Only twice before had she given darshan in this girl form to any one. She had saved his life.
A grateful Peter Rous decided to gift a gold stirrups studded with rubies and emeralds to the goddess. Below them is inscribed his name. Thus when the goddess rides out, Peter's name comes under her feet.
He died in 1828. His grave is at the St. George's church
Comments
Post a Comment